Business Development Executive

Business Development Executive
Location: Manchester (Hybrid – 3 days in office)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 + Quarterly Commission + Car Allowance
Our client is a well-established and highly regarded specialist analytical laboratory, recognised as a market leader in their niche testing services across the UK and internationally. Operating across multiple UK sites, they serve clients across environmental, occupational, food/feed and industrial sectors.
Following a period of restructuring within their commercial team, they are now recruiting for a Business Development Executive to support their laboratory operations, working as part of a small, close-knit sales teams. This role is specifically designed for someone with a laboratory or scientific background who is ready to take their first step, or next step, into a technical sales career. You’ll be given support, guidance, and the tools to develop into a confident sales professional, with a path towards a more senior commercial role.
If you come from a contract laboratory background and have always been curious about the commercial side of science, this is your opportunity to make the move!
About the role
* Learning the full sales cycle from the first contact through to close, with support and mentoring from a senior BDM, you’ll build your skills and confidence progressively before working towards your own quarterly targets.
* Conducting research to build and develop a pipeline of prospective clients across multiple sectors.
* Reaching out with calls, emails and in person networking events to identify and connect with key decision makers and discuss their requirements.
* Understanding client needs and promoting specialist analytical testing services to new and existing clients, with support from technical colleagues for complex enquiries.
* Collaborating with the wider sales team and laboratory operations to ensure seamless client experience.
* Managing a portfolio of existing accounts through regular quarterly touchpoints, ensuring client retention and identifying upsell opportunities.
* Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of sales activities using CRM systems (Salesforce) and internal tools.
* Occasional UK and international travel as required to attend client meetings, industry events, and trade shows.
About you
* Background working in a laboratory environment – experience in environmental or occupational hygiene testing or a similar sector is strongly preferred.
* A genuine interest in developing a career in technical sales, either as your first move from the lab or with some early stage commercial exposure.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills – comfortable engaging with technical professionals and building relationships over time.
* A consultative and methodical approach – you don’t need to be a high-pressure closer but, you do need to be persistent, organised and motivated.
* Comfortable managing your own workload and priorities in a hybrid working environment.
* Experienced in Microsoft office, CRM experience is a bonus but, not essential.
* Any exposure to customer facing, account management, or technical support role within a scientific setting is desirable but, not essential.
What’s great about this role?
* Full training and support provided to help transition into a first end to end sales role.
* Work for a genuine market leader in specialist analytical testing who is well known and respected in their sector.
* Hybrid working with real flexibility: 3 days in the Manchester office per week, no rigid KPIs around client visits.
* Competitive base salary up to £45,000 with a quarterly commission structure and car allowance.
* Backed by a larger group, providing stability and investment.
* A less corporate, more impact-driven culture – you’ll have real influence on the growth of the business, not just be a number on a spreadsheet.
If you have a laboratory background and are ready to make your move into technical sales, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or reach out directly for a confidential conversation about the role